REDANG ISLAND, Terengganu: Berjaya Air Sdn Bhd, the aviation company under Berjaya Land Bhd, is actively pursuing network expansion opportunities, driven by the imminent arrival of two new ATR 72-600 aircraft slated for delivery in 2025 and 2026.
Operating under an air service permit for non-scheduled charter services, Berjaya Air presently operates a fleet consisting of an ATR 42-500 and an ATR 72-500, stationed primarily at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport).
During the Paris Air Show last year, the airline company inked a heads of agreement with ATR, securing two ATR 72-600 aircraft configured for VIP travel, reflecting the company's commitment to providing passengers with an unparalleled luxury experience.
Berjaya Air general manager Mohd Amri Mohd Akib outlined the company's vision to elevate its service offerings, emphasising the unique VIP configuration of the ATR 72-600 aircraft.
With a focus on non-scheduled charter operations, Berjaya Air aims to tap into the premium market segment while expanding its reach to cater to Berjaya Hotels & Resort (BHR) properties across Malaysia.
Equipped with the latest PW127XT engines, the ATR 72-600 boasts a significant reduction of 45 per cent in CO2 emissions compared to similar-sized regional jets, aligning with Berjaya Air's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Amri said Berjaya Air's current fleet is perfectly suited for accessing island airports and remote destinations that are not easily reachable via regular commercial flights.
He was speaking to Business Times following the inaugural Berjaya Air flight from Seletar Airport in Singapore to Redang Airport in Terengganu on Friday (March 22).
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort has introduced a travel package featuring a direct flight from Seletar Airport to Redang Island, aiming to attract Singaporeans and other tourists to the island resort.
Amri said apart from the existing Subang-Redang route, Berjaya Air will now operate flights between Redang and Seletar Airport in Singapore, demonstrating its proactive approach to expanding routes.
"We recognise the potential in the Singapore market. Singaporeans seeking a luxury island resort experience usually have to travel further to destinations like the Maldives or Mauritius. However, in Redang, we can offer a similar experience within just one hour and 20 minutes. Our packages, starting at S$1,375 nett per person, are designed to appeal to them," he explained.
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort is among 11 hotel & resorts managed by BHR in Malaysia.
Pravir Mishra, the group general manager of BHR, expressed optimism regarding future growth opportunities.
He highlighted Berjaya Air's flexibility in accommodating charter requests throughout Malaysia, with plans in progress to potentially expand the current network to include BHR's resorts in Langkawi and Penang, and even to destinations like Koh Samui, Thailand.